Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-02-09
DR.. DETRoP's LOVE.

'You say this woman has bequeathed a
hundred thousand dollars to me? To whaI
good star of fortune am I indebted for this
unexpected bequest?''
"You can read the will, sir. 1t says on
account of your distinguished efforts on be.
half of science.
"And when does this money come into
my possession"
"At once, SIR"
The parties to this conversation were two
young men. The scientist was Professor
Henry Detrop, of the chair of geology ol
one of the universities.
As he heard the lawyers concluding re-
mark, sudden light filled his eyes and he
bowed his head to hide his emotion. His
agitation was not due to his requirement
of wealth at single bound; he had receiv-
ed the communication with indifference
When he again lifted his head there were
| no traces of emotion visible.
"Mr. Roberts," he remarked to the at
torney, ''the fact of my acquisition OF
wealth must be kept an absolute secret for
| the present If possible, take no imme-
date steps in regard to the will. The
knowledge Of this bequest, if spread at the
present time, might ruin my life's happi-
ness. Goodnight"
When he was alone, Professor Detrop
leaned back in his chair and stared at the
wall for long time. For half-hour he
remained in thought; finally, taking his pen,
he wrote slowly and carefully for some
time, read and re-read the missive, and seal
ed it.
What he wrote was as follows:
''MIss HELEN ANDRoBE: Two years
ago | met you one day at Graybeach.
Your father himself took me by the hand
and presented me.
81 remember the picture. God knows
that it is the particular one that hangs in
the inner chamber of my heart. You were
standing high above the broad sea, gazing
out, so absorbed in the grandeur before you
that it was with difficulty you acknowl-
edged my presence.
'But afterwards, you will remember, we
wandered togetherthrough the leafy groves,
collecting ferns, thence down upon the
beach for shells. Do you not remember
our walk to your summer cottage, how 1
plucked wild roses for you, filling my hards
full of spines, and how you made for me a
pretty bouquet which you pinned to my
lapel as you bade me goodnight?
81 dwell on the picture. because it was
the one beautiful day of my life.
"We were happy together for time
thereafter, and then drif5ed slowly apart
have tried to fathom the cause Of your
ultimate GOODNESS, but cannot. concluded
at. the time that you had ascertained my
circumstances in life-a poor naturalist,
without position or means. | have since
done you thu Justice to acquit you of mo-
tives so despicable, and trust that the diff,
Guilty was more of fancy than reality, and
that nv imagination was the aggressor.
81 remained near you as long as dared,
and then came here and knocked at the
door of success. T.: two years have reach
ed the highest professorship in science.
From my liberal salary have accumulated
sufficient for future need. l have not
debt 10 the world. My name represents a
long and, l think, successful struggle for
honors in my chosen profession. Pardon
me for taking so much of your time; mere
Ely wished to point out the steps towards
hoped for result.
''On that summers day at Graybeach
need not tell you lost my heart. You
took it from me and still imprison it, I
loved you then, but now, after my hard
struggle to win reputation for your sake,
| worship you.
'Cau you share what so willingly lay at
your feet. know the luxuries to which
yon are accustomed, and will devote my life
work to create others for you. Will you
homer me by becoming my wife, that by
your pure Influence l may rise to the high
est sphere of usefulness.
HENRY DETRoP."
Ten days later Mr.. Roberts presented
himself at the study of Professor Detrop.
81 came, sir, to beg of you to enter at
numerous other bequests which must be at
leave the will unprotected. The necessities
of the case"
'Wait Moment said Professor Detrep,
taking letter from the postman who had
just entered.
He read eagerly, his face blanching with
pain.
81 accept the bequest at once" he re-
piled. "Let the will be probated at your
convenience" =.
When the attorney had departed, he took
the delicate missive and read 1t again, as
follows -
81 have your remarkable document be-
fore me. l do not profess to be able to
keep Summer limitations in mind. Any pre-
vious acquaintance with you is forgotten.
Indeed, do not recall your name, neither
do l remember the circumstances to which
you refer. Such being the case, | beg that
the matter be dropped. With thanks, ETC.,
s'HELEN ANDRoBE.'
The Winter passed away, and Professor
Detrop's sudden acquisition Of wealth, to-
gether with growing reputation and exalted
office, brought him into most prominent So
cial relations. He was courted by dstin-
guished people, and given high place in
popular esteem.
Summer came again, and DR.. Detrop
went down to Gray beach to seek recrea-
tion. He scrupulous1y avoided the cliff
where he had first met Miss Androbe.
One day, to his great delight he saw an
Albino sparrow, the first he had ever seen
alive. 1t fitted along the beach, and he
patiently followed, noting its every move
ment- 1t flew back on land. He followed
It. 1t les. his footsteps towards the bluff.
Still, unconscious of all save the bird, he
followed on. 1t alighted on great oak at
the very edge of the bluff He passed un-
der the tree, keeping his eyes Oh the bird
until he was recalled from his pursuit by a
little scream.
He had planted one foot squarely on the
edge of the skirts of young lady who was
sitting beneath the tree, until then intently
absorbed in reading.
"Mr. Detrop?" surprised and blushing.
"Miss Audroben' coldly. 81 really beg
your pardon was watching bird.''
''Some sea-bird, suppose. remember
you used to be very much interested in
them"
Really, then, you do remember some
thing | am more surprised than 1 can
say" sarcastically.
81 do. certainly, when they concern my
friends"
"You homer me, indeed p' She did not
seem to notice the sarcasm or frigidity.
"How long have you been among US p
"Three weeks"
$50 long? hope you have not forgot
ten your old friends.'
81 never forget my friends"
''Then why have you not called or made
| it known that you were in town? Oul
people would have been delighted" re
proachfully.
81 suppose you would have been delight
| ed, toO?' almost sneer.
81 will overlook the cruelty of your re
mark, and not only say yes, but express {
hope that you will honor our house will